Have you decided to Move to France?
Whether you’re planning a tourist trip or a business relocation, here’s what you should know before you go.

General Overview

• Official country name: French Republic (République française)
• Location: Western Europe, bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Monaco, Andorra, and the Atlantic/Mediterranean coasts
• Capital city: Paris
• Official language: French
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time zone: UTC+1 (Standard Time), UTC+2 (Daylight Saving Time)

Culture & Traditions

• Key customs:
  • French people value politeness and formality in interactions. Greetings usually include a handshake or cheek kisses (“la bise”).
  • Meals are a central part of social life, often lasting several courses.
  • Punctuality is expected in professional settings but is more relaxed in social life.
• Public holidays: 11 official days off
  • January 1st – New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An)
  • Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques)
  • May 1st – Labor Day (Fête du Travail)
  • May 8th – Victory in Europe Day (Victoire 1945)
  • Ascension Day (40 days after Easter)
  • Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte)
  • July 14th – Bastille Day (Fête nationale)
  • August 15th – Assumption (Assomption)
  • November 1st – All Saints’ Day (Toussaint)
  • November 11th – Armistice Day (Armistice 1918)
  • December 25th – Christmas Day (Noël)
• Main traditional dishes and local drinks:
  • Popular dishes:
    Baguette, croissant, coq au vin, ratatouille, boeuf bourguignon, crêpes.
  • Drinks:
    French wines (Bordeaux, Burgundy), Champagne, Pastis, Cognac.
• Languages spoken daily:
  French is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas, but learning basic French is highly recommended.

• Languages spoken daily:
  French (widely), English in big cities

• 3 common phrases to learn:

  • Bonjour (Hello)

  • Merci (Thank you)

  • L’addition, s’il vous plaît (The bill, please)

• Clothing and behavioral norms:
  • Business and social settings favor an elegant and put-together appearance.
  • Loud conversations in public spaces are generally frowned upon.

Demographics & Society

• Total population:
  About 68 million people
• Major ethnic groups:
  Predominantly European, with communities of North African, Sub-Saharan African, and Asian descent.
• Main religions:
  Historically Catholic, but the country is secular with a mix of Islam, Protestantism, Judaism, and non-religious individuals.
• General safety level:
  Generally safe, but be cautious of petty crime in major cities and in tourist areas.
• Attitude towards foreigners and diversity:
  France is multicultural, especially in large cities, but language barriers can be challenging in smaller towns.

Key Cities & Regions

• Capital city:
  • Paris (2.1 million people) – Known for its historical landmarks, arts, and fashion.
• Major cities:
  • Marseille (870,000 people) – Largest port city, Mediterranean culture.
  • Lyon (530,000 people) – Renowned for gastronomy and silk history.
  • Toulouse (500,000 people) – Aerospace industry hub.
  • Nice (340,000 people) – Coastal city with stunning beaches and Italian influence.
  • Nantes (320,000 people) – A vibrant city with a mix of history and modernity.
  • Strasbourg (290,000 people) – European Parliament headquarters, mix of French and German influences.
  • Bordeaux (260,000 people) – Famous for its wine industry.
  • Lille (240,000 people) – A lively student city with Flemish architectural influence.
• Must-visit regions:
  • Provence (lavender fields, Mediterranean climate)
  • Normandy (D-Day beaches, Mont Saint-Michel)
  • Loire Valley (historic castles and vineyards)
  • French Riviera (luxury lifestyle, beautiful beaches)
  • Alsace (half-timbered houses, Christmas markets)

Weather & Climate

• Type of climate:
  • Temperate in most of the country.
  • Mediterranean in the South.
  • Oceanic in the West.
  • Mountainous in the Alps and Pyrenees.
• Average seasonal temperatures:
  • Winter: 0-10°C
  • Spring: 10-20°C
  • Summer: 20-30°C
  • Autumn: 10-20°C
• Best times to visit:
  Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Schooling

• System of schooling:
  Free public education; private and international schools available
• Age and degree:
  Mandatory from 3 to 16 years; Baccalauréat at 18
• International school and language:
  English-speaking and bilingual options in Paris, Lyon, Nice
• Cost/Pricing:
  Public schools free; international schools €10,000–30,000/year
• Advices:
  Start looking for a school before the summer breack (May/june) for a back to school on september.

Health & Care

• System type: Universal healthcare (Sécurité Sociale)
• Different structures to get support:
  Public hospitals, private clinics, general practitioners
• Cost:
  Basic care reimbursed, private insurance (“mutuelle”) recommended for full coverage

Banking

• System type: Modern, EU-regulated
• How to pay:
  Cards widely accepted, cash for small transactions
• How to transfer:
  International SWIFT transfers, online banking apps
• Banking access for foreigners:
  Opening requires proof of address, visa, employment contract

Practical Information

• Entry requirements:
  • EU citizens: No visa needed.
  • Non-EU citizens: Visa required for stays over 90 days.
  • VN citizens: Schengen visa required

👉 Read Moving from Vietnam to France

• • TH citizens: Schengen visa required
  • PH citizens: Schengen visa required

👉 Support available via Visa & Immigration Services

• Local transportation:
  • Efficient public transport:
    Paris Metro, buses, trams in cities.
  • High-speed trains (TGV) connect major regions.
  • Taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt) are widely available.
• Cost of living:
  • Housing:
    Expensive in Paris (€1,200+ for a studio), more affordable in other cities.

👉 Learn about Rent and Housing in France

• • Food:
    Affordable if shopping at local markets, dining out is more costly.
  • Transport:
    Monthly metro pass in Paris costs about €86.
• Electrical outlets and voltage: Type E, 230V / 50Hz
• Emergency numbers:
  • 112 (EU-wide emergency)
  • 15 (Ambulance)
  • 17 (Police)
  • 18 (Firefighters)

Visitor Tips

• Gestures to avoid and cultural taboos:
  • Avoid discussing money or personal wealth.
  • Be mindful of using informal “tu” instead of “vous” when speaking to strangers.
  • Public displays of affection are common but excessive loudness in public is frowned upon.
• Specific regulations:
  • Drinking alcohol in public is allowed but regulated in certain areas.
  • Strict smoking laws: No smoking in indoor public places.
• Tips for integrating locally:
  • Learning basic French greatly improves social interactions.
  • Adapting to local meal times (lunch from 12-2 PM, dinner after 7 PM).
  • Understanding France’s bureaucracy, as administrative processes can be complex.
• Potential risks or important considerations:
  • Healthcare: High-quality system, but registering for social security can take time.
  • Strikes & protests: Can disrupt public transport and services frequently.
  • Petty crime: Be cautious of pickpockets in tourist areas.
  • Extreme weather: Occasional heatwaves in summer.