Everything You Need to Know About France

France

France Fast Facts

Population: 67,848,156

Majuscule City: Paris

Climate: Mostly cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean

Time Zone: GMT+1

Language: French

Country Code: 33

Coastline: four,668 km

There'due south Something About France that Few People Know...

France, with its reputation for glamour and the finer things in life, leads many people to cross the country off their retirement destination listing, assuming that they could never afford to live there. But that'due south a mistake.

Whether yous dream of a city pied-à-terre…or a rambling farmhouse among the sunflowers…or a village house wrapped in wisteria-hung memories of long ago, French republic is far more than affordable than you might think. In fact, at that place are many parts of the country where habitable homes in storybook settings price less than $170,000.

At that place's a region in the sunny due south, for example, that offers a wonderful warm climate twelvemonth-round…delightful medieval villages chock with sun-baked quondam stone houses….white-sand beaches and winding mountain trails…large cities and tiny hamlets…and that's virtually a stone'due south throw from the Spanish edge. The region is chosen Languedoc-Rousillon, (also called Occitanie), and—for at present—prices are still reasonable…

If you lot prefer a libation climate and a more pastoral setting, look to charming Normandy. Just two hours from Paris, this region is filled with half-timbered houses, oftentimes set on acres of emerald fields that seem directly out of a fairytale. In that location'southward besides a fascinating history, flavorful rustic cuisine (call up apples, poultry and flossy, fresh dairy), romantic windswept beaches and exquisite coastal towns… It's the perfect place for a vacation retreat or a tranquil year-round home.

For mountain-lovers, the Rhône-Alpes region of France may be like a dream come true. Here you lot'll notice clear blueish lakes and country landscapes that offer riveting views of the sharp peaks of the Alps, and a number of towns, from Grenoble to Lyon, that are every bit lovely every bit they are lively and affordable.

And all this is just for starters. There are scores of other reasonably priced "hidden corners" of French republic that most foreigners know nothing about.

Pros & Cons of Living in France

By Tuula Rampont

Climate

Pros: France is the largest state in Europe and the most diverse—German influences exist along its northern edge, Castilian notions in the south, and an "Italian touch" extends from Nice to Marseille. Not to mention influences from Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg, which share its borders. The state'south weather is likewise just as diverse—you'll find sunny skies in southern France, cool and rainy weather in Paris and the northern regions, and snow in the Pyrénées and French Alps.

Well-known for its sunny, warm climate that sees more 300 days of sunshine a yr, the southeastern office of French republic, namely the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region, has the nicest weather in the country. Other mild, temperate areas include the area around the Languedoc-Roussillon (the region known as Occitanie), the southern part of Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Biarritz and other beach towns along the coast), and the Dordogne-Limousin in due south-fundamental France.

Cons: The northern regions of France have some of the most attractive, and visually stunning, cities in all of the country… merely their climates are for fans of cooler, greyer weather…which often includes snowfall in the winter months. The area around Paris, called 50'Ile de France, is one such area, as well as the 1000 Est (Lorraine, Alsace, and Champagne) and the Hauts de France (the northernmost region, which includes the city of Lille).

Cost of Living

Pros: While the cost of utilities (gas, electricity, heating), phone service (mobile devices), and entertainment (cable and net) is quite similar to that of the U.S., the real savings from living in French republic comes from housing costs and healthcare. If you avoid the popular coastal hotspots forth the Cote d'Azur, the center of Paris, and other large cities (like Lyon and Marseille) you can rent or buy in France for 25% to 50% less of what you'd pay in the U.Due south. for a similar property.

This plain doesn't include all of the land, merely opportunities exist for a low-cost retirement in the Languedoc-Roussillon (Occitanie) region, the area known as the Dordogne-Limousin, and in the countryside of Provence… as well as other cities around French republic.

French republic'due south healthcare organization, is available to everyone later three months of living in the country. Costs are fixed by the state, and 70% of doctor'south visits and fourscore% to 100% of prescription drugs are covered. France does not tax U.S. social security or other forms of passive income, then expat residents are charged roughly viii% of any other income they declare for healthcare, a surprisingly good deal for the level of service and benefits y'all receive.

Cons: If you lot accept your middle gear up on living in the heart of Paris, information technology will cost yous every bit much equally renting or buying in New York City. Other sought-after towns in French republic are not nigh every bit expensive, merely some—like Nice and Cannes—come close. The low housing prices in some of the regions of southern France are incredible, and you can notice even ameliorate deals in many of the towns of the n—in the Normandy, Picardy, and the Lorraine areas for starters. Unfortunately, the north is known for its cold and rainy climate, which makes it a less desirable place to live than southern France.

Safety and Security

Pros: French republic is a very rubber country and violent crime is very low. In that location is no right to bear arms and there is little interest in firearms—access to guns is tightly regulated and controlled. Every bit with major cities in the U.S., it is recommended to avoid certain neighborhoods where criminal action is possible.

French safety concerns are more often than not focused on residents driving habits—respecting the speed limit, distracted driving, etc. If you come up to France, you lot will come across many public service announcements on this topic.

Cons: Incidents of petty theft and drug-related crimes are the security issues that are well-nigh common in French republic. Again, avoiding the areas known for this kind of activity is the best safe measure for residents and visitors alike.

The French government has tightened security after the terror-related crimes that took place over the past several years. It's important to stress that, while devastating, these were isolated incidents, which haven't detracted from the overall safety of the country.

Medical Care

Pros: There'southward a lot to honey about France'southward healthcare system. It'due south piece of cake to access… a green "social security card" is issued to you afterwards three months in the state. Swipe it every time you see the physician or the pharmacist and your reimbursement goes directly to your bank account. A standard doctor's visit is $27, a specialist's visit is $55, and 70% of that amount is reimbursed. Information technology's also high quality. France has excellent doctors, nurses, physical therapists, dentists, and top-notch teaching universities, which are open to the public for handling of medical weather condition by experts in the field.

Cons: When you alive abroad it'due south pretty much a given that not everyone will speak English. Such is truthful of many doctors in France. You can search expat sites in your area to find English-speaking practitioners, which might require driving to the next town over or taking your French skills to the next level.

Activities

Pros: French republic has activities—sports, hobbies, clubs and organizations, volunteer opportunities, and education courses to fit every interest and cognition level. The French love the outdoors and are very active year round. Whether information technology's kayaking or paddle-boarding in the summer, walking/hiking in the spring and autumn, and skiing in the winter, they beloved to exist out in nature. And with such beautiful landscapes throughout France, who can blame them. Cycling (they're crazy about the Bout de France), golf, and lawn tennis are likewise popular pastimes and easy to practice.

The French are too fans of intellectual pursuits. Public libraries and bookstores often host book clubs and lecture series. If y'all'd like to improve your French, linguistic communication classes are available around the state at local universities. And I'd be remiss not to mention 2 activities that form the real "center" of what the country holds dear—cooking and vino studies. Somehow, someway, information technology seems every French person knows how to bake a soufflé and which blood-red wine to pair with Boeuf Bourguignon. Yous can wind upwards a master dessert-maker (pâtissier) or amateur chef in no time.

Cons: Many activities in French republic are gratuitous, especially the outdoor kind, but if you want to play golf at a acme-notch class or join an aristocracy tennis order, it will toll you lot a lot more. The prices of local classes; dance, language, crafting, cooking, etc. are more often than not posted on a city's or village's municipal website with the fees listed for each activity.

Observe Out More From Our France Correspondent

Resource

Corsica, France
Hyeres, France
Nimes, French republic
Mougins, French republic
Nice, France
Annecy, France
Paris, France
Healthcare in France
Traditions and Civilization in France
Toll of Living in France
Avignon, France
Montpellier, France
Toulouse, France
Toulon, France
Climate in France
Pau, France
French republic Visa and Residence Information
Aix-en-Provence, France
Retire in French republic
Where is France?
Lyon, France
Provence, France
Live in France
Bordeaux, France
France Existent Manor
Motion to France
French Polynesia
France Fact File
Rolodex: Contacts in France
Why France?
Taxes in France
Beachfront Property in French republic
Travel in France
Invest in French republic

A Dream Retirement in France…Panama…and Beyond…

Former lawyers past trade, the Arbeits are enjoying a afterwards life hazard which seems tailor-made for a Hollywood movie. The couple are dividing their gold years betwixt three world-form suitors: French republic, Panama, and New York. Each year, in late August, Robert and Wendy make it at their domicile-away-from-home in Montfort, France.

Planning Your Roving European Retirement

For many Americans and Canadians, Europe sits firmly at the top of the listing when it comes to enchanting possibilities for part-time living. From the stunning beaches of Sardinia and scenic forests of Slovenia to the urban magic of Vienna, Barcelona, Bordeaux, and Prague...

How to Find Your Paris, and Live There Like a Local

How to Discover Your Paris, and Live There Like a Local

From knowing the best spots to catch a sunset, to mastering the linguistic communication—going where the locals go and doing what they do uncovers a whole new side of a city. Paris, specially, is a joy when you know it well. Let's go started.

Keeping the Traditions — Expat Christmas Around the World

All effectually the world communities celebrate the holiday season in unique means, and ane of the joys of expat life is getting to experience those traditions. Read how IL's contributors are celebrating Christmas in their adopted countries—France, Colombia, Belize, Italian republic, and Republic of costa rica.

A French Village Rental for $690 a Month

Nosotros live in a pocket-sized house on a quiet hill within walking distance to the center of the hamlet. It's roughly ane,110 square feet with the same amount of space below in a walk-out basement which we use as our business. We pay $690 a month for rent, with another $63 a month for h2o, trash, and electricity.

Get Your Free France Report Here

Learn more about France and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Only enter your e-mail address below and we'll ship you a Gratuitous Written report: A Taste of France: All the Ingredients for the Good Life.

stacedresill.blogspot.com

Source: https://internationalliving.com/countries/france/

Stace Dresill