Moving to France

Many expats dream of moving to France. Their imaginations are fired by visions of long country lunches, people-watching from cafés, strolls in lavender-scented Provence, sunbathing on the beaches of Nice, and immersion in the cultural riches of Parisian art and couture.

After all, the French nation prides itself on its distinct identity and language and feels little need to accommodate outsiders. The language is the key barrier, especially as the French do not enjoy speaking English, and any expat wanting to make France home will need to become fluent in French.

Paris and Lyon are justly celebrated for their fine dining. These two cities vie yearly for the honour of being the top culinary destination 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 seldom be bored.

Expats moving to France might not expect to find a vibrant business environment, rich with opportunity. However this nation has produced the 5^th 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, bring endless vineyards rolling over their gentle hills.