Moving to France
Expats often dream of moving to France. Visions of long country lunches; people-watching from cafés; strolls in a lavender-scented Provence; sunbathing on the beaches of Nice; and immersion in the cultural riches of Parisian art and couture; mesmerize potential expats and lure them to this legendary European country.
Ironically enough, the French nation is not the most welcoming of foreign nationals. The country prides itself on its distinct culture and language, and feels little need to accommodate outsiders. The language proves the most difficult barrier for expats to cross, especially as the French do not enjoy speaking English, and any expats wanting to make France home will need to become fluent in French.
Expats moving to France should not expect to find a vibrant business environment, nor should they be surprised if they run into trouble taking advantage of job opportunities. The French are renowned for their choice to “work to live”, not “live to work”. Sill though, this nation has produced the 6th largest economy in the world and its capital, Paris, has the largest city economy on mainland Europe. Expats account for 19 percent of workers in Paris, and businessmen value the new skills a foreigner can bring.
The country itself is old and highly cultivated. Fields and farms, elegantly bridged rivers, chateaux, estates and ancient cobbled towns dot the landscape. Bordeaux and Burgundy, the country's famous wine centres, showcase endless vineyards rolling over their gentle hills.
Paris and Lyon are justly celebrated for their fine dining. These two cities vie yearly for the honour of being the top culinary destinations in France. Regional specialties are celebrated and brought to the cities for everyone to try; expats willing to let their taste buds do their exploring for them will find themselves in an adventurous space.
Ironically enough, the French nation is not the most welcoming of foreign nationals. The country prides itself on its distinct culture and language, and feels little need to accommodate outsiders. The language proves the most difficult barrier for expats to cross, especially as the French do not enjoy speaking English, and any expats wanting to make France home will need to become fluent in French.
Expats moving to France should not expect to find a vibrant business environment, nor should they be surprised if they run into trouble taking advantage of job opportunities. The French are renowned for their choice to “work to live”, not “live to work”. Sill though, this nation has produced the 6th largest economy in the world and its capital, Paris, has the largest city economy on mainland Europe. Expats account for 19 percent of workers in Paris, and businessmen value the new skills a foreigner can bring.
The country itself is old and highly cultivated. Fields and farms, elegantly bridged rivers, chateaux, estates and ancient cobbled towns dot the landscape. Bordeaux and Burgundy, the country's famous wine centres, showcase endless vineyards rolling over their gentle hills.
Paris and Lyon are justly celebrated for their fine dining. These two cities vie yearly for the honour of being the top culinary destinations in France. Regional specialties are celebrated and brought to the cities for everyone to try; expats willing to let their taste buds do their exploring for them will find themselves in an adventurous space.
Detailed travel guide to France from Word Travels
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