For over half a decade I’ve been living in France. And during that time I’ve immersed myself in the culture, learned the language, savored the cuisine, and navigated everyday life.
From watching the sunrise over the Eiffel Tower to strolling the cobbled streets of Colmar, it’s a country that has captured my heart.
But, like anywhere, there are downsides to living here.
So, in this post, I want to share with you my firsthand experience and insights about life as an expat in France. I’ll cover all the pros and cons so you can decide whether it’s the right place for you.
1. Pro: Convenient Public Transportation
The public transportation system in France is incredibly convenient. Trains and buses are frequent, and, for the most part, reliable.
Not only that but monthly passes and one-way tickets are very affordable. There are even applications where you can get special offers and discounts.
But the best part is that your employer has to pay 50% of your monthly expenses. Even though it’s only for the route to work, it’s still a huge savings.
I’ve lived in quite a few places in France, including Strasbourg and Paris. So, I know what it’s like to use public transport daily here. And while big cities like Paris have a larger network, the transportation options in smaller towns are still impressive.
2. Con: Bureaucracy is Slow
It’s no secret that the French bureaucracy is notoriously slow. Every form needs to be impeccable, or else you have to start all over.
And the definition of perfect depends on the person taking your documents. They all seem to have different sets of requirements.
It’s like a game of Russian roulette, you never know what you’ll get.
Of the situations, visa renewals are the worst. From the moment you submit your documents to the time you receive your visa; it can take months.
In my most recent adventure, the prefecture ‘forgot’ to notify me that my resident permit was ready for pickup.
It’s a never-ending headache that you will have to accept if you decide to live here.
3. Pro: Fantastic Healthcare
The French healthcare system, Assurance Maladie, is one of the best in the world. It’s available to everyone, regardless of income or employment status.
And it’s affordable.
Patients only pay a small percentage (0-25%) of the overall cost for doctor’s visits, prescriptions, and hospital stays. As an example, the average cost for a primary care doctor in France is €25. That means the final bill is only €7.50.
The combination of excellent facilities, highly trained doctors, and comprehensive coverage means that you’ll have top-notch care without emptying your wallet.
For me, this was a game changer. When I lived in the United States, I avoided going to the doctor. WebMD was my go-to for self-diagnosis.
It was a relief when I moved to France. I knew I could go to any doctor and it would be covered by the national healthcare. I’m much healthier because of it.
If I had to choose the biggest pro, this would be it.
Helpful Tip: You have to be a legal resident of France for three months before you can access the national healthcare system. You can see a doctor during these three months, but you won’t be reimbursed.
4. Con: Endless Strikes
The French have a reputation for being very passionate. And a lot of that gusto is expressed through strikes, protests, and manifestations. It seems to be their go-to negotiation tactic for anything work-related.
And, while they do raise awareness, they are inconvenient.
The most disruptive strikes are those connected to public transportation. Trains, metros, and trams will suddenly stop running without warning. I’ve been left in the middle of nowhere more times than I can count because the train drivers wanted an extra vacation day.
Needless to say, they don’t have my sympathy.
5. Pro: Quality of Life
In France, the quality of life is incomparable, and it’s not just about the breathtaking scenery or the rich history. It’s also about the work-life balance, universal healthcare, and the emphasis on enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
Every year, France ranks in the top one hundred nations for the best quality of life. Of course, this is no surprise.
The French prioritize leisure and relaxation, and, with a 35-hour workweek, there’s plenty of time for enjoyment. The country’s healthcare system is one of the best, ensuring everyone has access to top-tier medical services.
And let’s not forget the “joie de vivre” or the art of enjoying life. Here meals can last hours and are seen as an opportunity to relax and enjoy good food and company. This balanced, wholesome life is what makes living here truly unique.
Helpful Tip: This is especially true in southern cities. If you choose to live in Marseille, you can expect a relaxed atmosphere that is buzzing with energy.
When I compare my quality of life in France to all the other places I’ve lived, there’s no doubt that France is the best. There’s a harmony between career, health, and personal happiness that’s unmatched.
6. Con: Postal Service Sucks
If there is one thing I hate about France, it’s the postal service (La Poste). Now, I don’t like using such a strong phrase, but it’s well warranted here.
I have no idea why it’s so difficult to send and receive mail in France. Everything about the system is complicated, even the zip codes for Paris are a pain to deal with.
I also don’t understand why people steal items out of mailboxes. It’s a reoccurring problem to which I’ve been unable to find a solution. In general, I try to avoid using the postal service at all costs.
If I need to, then I use express services like DHL or FedEx.
7. Pro: Indulgent Cuisine
When you think of France, the first thing that comes to mind is world-renowned food. From Michelin-starred restaurants to casual brasseries, French cuisine is known for elegance and sophistication.
But it’s not just the high-end restaurants that are worth mentioning. The everyday cafés and bistros offer some of the best food in the country.
And, what’s even better, it’s affordable.
So, why is French food so good?
The answer lies in the quality of the products used. French chefs take great pride in their cooking and use only the finest ingredients available. They make sure the produce is fresh and in season to ensure their dishes are full of flavor.
It’s this attention to detail that results in some of the most delicious food you’ll ever have.
Helpful Tip: I love the dishes in southern France. I would move to Montpellier just for the food. That’s how good it is.
8. Con: High Language Barrier
The language barrier is one of the most difficult things to overcome in France. And, it’s this factor alone that makes it one of the most challenging countries to move to.
Without French, it’s almost impossible to do basic things like open a bank account or rent an apartment. And let’s not forget about the bureaucracy. If you don’t speak French, you’ll have a hard time renewing your visa.
When I learned French, my life changed. Everything was easier. I made friends, could relate to my colleagues at work, and could handle basic administrative tasks.
If you plan on moving to France, you’ll have to learn French.
Helpful Tip: I recommend taking French classes with a group at first. It’s an affordable way to get started. Plus, you’ll meet other expats.
9. Pro: Breathtaking Scenery
France has no shortage of breathtaking scenery. The snow-capped Alps fill the sky in the east while sun-drenched beaches line the shores in the south. Then, there are rolling lavender fields, lush green forests, and never-ending vineyards in between.
And to reach all these wonderful places, you don’t have to travel very far. From Paris or any other big city, you can reach the beautiful seascapes in Les Sables-d’Olonne or the striking vistas in Annecy in only a few hours!
10. Con: Winters are Grey and Dreary
The weather is both a pro and con.
The summers are wonderful, but the winters are long, dark, and dreary. It’s not uncommon for it to be cloudy and raining for weeks on end. And, when it snows, it’s usually a light dusting that instantly melts, leaving behind a cold slushy mess.
After all these years in France, I’m still not used to it. I prefer cold, dry winters with a lot of snow, like when I was a kid growing up in Illinois. I love building snowmen and sipping hot chocolate after sledding. It’s way more fun than walking on a slushy sidewalk.
Of course, not every city in France has the same kind of winter. But if you opt to live in a northern city like Lille, this is the kind of weather you can expect.
11. Pro: Affordable Education
With world-renowned universities, like the Sorbonne, you would think that education in France would be expensive. But that’s far from reality.
France has some of the most affordable education in Europe. Whether you’re looking to study abroad or move your family here, you won’t have to worry about excessive tuition fees.
As an example, my bachelor’s degree from the United States was about $36,000 per year! I had scholarships and did work-study programs, but that hardly covered the costs.
I finished with about $40,000 in student loans.
In France, an equivalent degree would cost about $3000 per year (for non-residents). And that’s without tuition aid or scholarships. For most residents, the average cost is about $200 per year.
Textbooks and student housing are either free or offered at a low cost.
Then, on top of all that students receive discounts on public transport, museum passes, etc.
Helpful Tip: It’s so affordable that I could study French in Paris without emptying my bank account. I took my first courses with Alliance Française de Paris. And, after I completed levels A1 and A2, I hired a private tutor.
12. Con: High Taxes
It’s no secret that France has some of the highest taxes in the world. The income tax alone is a whopping 45%. And that doesn’t include the housing tax, social security tax, and tax on goods and services.
Luckily, it all goes back into the country. About 31% of France’s GDP is spent on social programs like unemployment and healthcare. So, while it may seem like a lot is being taken, it’s going to services that you will inevitably use.
It’s only a con if you don’t consider all the benefits.
13. Pro: Fascinating Culture
France’s fascinating culture is undeniably an alluring part of expat life here. The country is a treasure trove of art, history, and culinary delights.
Everywhere you turn, there is a piece of history waiting to be explored. From Gothic cathedrals to Roman ruins, there’s no shortage of sites for history buffs.
Art aficionados will lose themselves in world-renowned museums like Musée d’Orsay, while foodies indulge in buttery pastries.
Then, there’s the architecture. Be it the awe-inspiring Eiffel Tower or the Palace of Versailles, these structures tell a tale of France’s rich past.
But it’s not limited to these iconic landmarks. Even a casual stroll through a small town in Alsace or a neighborhood in Nancy, reveals an array of styles from different eras.
France is also home to countless festivals. Throughout the year, you’ll have access to music, food, art, and wine events. It’s a vibrant cultural hub that’s hard to resist.
14. Con: Heavy Pollution
Pollution is one of the biggest cons. Cities swell with smog, and during the summer, it can be dangerous to go outside.
When I first moved to Paris, I developed a cough from the smog. I had a hard time breathing and it impacted my health. So much so that I, eventually, decided to move to Strasbourg.
So, why is it so bad?
There are a few reasons for this, but the most significant contributor is traffic. Of course, public transportation is an option, but, given the number of strikes, most opt for a car if they can afford it.
As more and more people choose to drive a car, the worse the pollution gets. And it doesn’t help that the cities are poorly designed. The streets are small and, oftentimes, only one way. So, as you can imagine, during rush hour, the smell of car exhaust is suffocating.
While there are efforts to decrease the amount of pollution and alleviate the traffic, it’s still a major problem in France.
15. Pro: Strong Expat Community
One of the most important things to consider before moving to another country is your support network. And that goes for at home and in your new country. While there are several ways to build such a network, I’ve found expat communities to be the best.
Luckily, France has a thriving expat community. From English-speaking meetups to interactive French classes, there’s a group for everyone. Not only that but they are all welcoming and supportive, which is a huge plus when you’re getting settled.
16. Con: Difficult to Find Housing
Finding an apartment in France can be a daunting task.
First, landlords prefer to rent to someone who is already living in the county.
Second, you need a work contract, a bank account, and several other documents that you won’t have when you arrive.
Finally, the competition for housing is fierce. From locals to students and expats, there’s always someone who needs an apartment. And if you’re looking to live in one of the popular cities, you may have to settle on your third or fourth choice.
When I moved to Strasbourg, I had to settle on renting a less-than-perfect apartment for my first two years. It took me months to find something bigger than a studio and affordable.
Not surprisingly, most newcomers use this strategy. It’s the best way to avoid living in an expensive hotel or Airbnb.
17. Pro: Low Cost of Living
One of the reasons why France is so affordable is because the cost of living is very low. Rent, food, and transportation are all reasonably priced. Most people can afford the necessities as well as some luxuries.
Of course, the cost of living depends on the city. And, let me assure you, there are a lot of expensive cities in France.
For example, the cost of living in Paris is much higher than in smaller cities like Bordeaux or Toulouse. But, even in Paris, it’s possible to find affordable apartments and eat out on a budget.
18. Con: People can be Unwelcoming
Living in a foreign country can be difficult. But in France, it can be even more challenging. There are so many unwritten rules and social norms that you need to master before you can be considered a ‘local’.
It didn’t take me long after I arrived to learn that there was a ‘French way’ of doing things. And the phrase, “This is how things are done in France!” was frequently repeated to me.
It can be alienating and frustrating, but it’s something every expat must deal with at one time or another.
It’s also a much bigger problem in large cities like Paris and Lyon. You’ll find smaller places like Dijon have friendly and welcoming locals.
19. Pro: A Lot of Vacation Days
One of the first things I noticed when I moved to France was the number of vacation days.
First, there are 11 national holidays, which, to me, is a whopping number. That’s more than an American’s average number of vacation days for the whole year!
Then, there are your personal vacation days. The law guarantees you two and a half days for every month you work. That makes the national average 25, but most people have between 30 and 40.
I’ll admit that I wasn’t used to having so many days off, but I quickly adapted. Having so many vacation days gives me the chance to indulge in my hobbies while still finding time to relax. I’m able to build a good work-life balance that I would not be able to do otherwise. It’s definitely a huge benefit.
20. Con: Small Stores
Another downside is the lack of variety when it comes to stores. There are a few chains such as Leclerc that resemble supercenters, but, even then, the options are very limited. I often have to go to two or three stores to find what I’m looking for.
In the United States, however, I was always able to find everything I needed in one store. Not only that but the variety was endless. There were aisles dedicated to cereal alone! Such a luxury doesn’t exist in France.
21. Pro: Centrally Located
France is a great base for traveling and exploring other European countries.
Whether it’s a shopping spree in London or a short stay in Luxembourg, you’re just a short train or plane ride away.
And it’s not only about jetting off to other countries. France itself is diverse enough to satisfy your wanderlust.
From the bustling port city of Marseille to the ever-enchanting Colmar, there are a ton of places you can visit without crossing a border.
I’m always looking for my next adventure and I like knowing I don’t have to plan my trips a year in advance. So, if you’re someone like me, there’s no better home base than France.
Conclusion
Life as an expat in France can be a challenging experience. The language barrier, grey winters, and slow bureaucracy are only some of the difficulties.
But there are also many pros. The quality of life is the best I’ve experienced, the food is amazing, and there’s a lot of history and culture to explore.
For me, the pros outweigh the cons, and it’s worth moving here.
When you’re ready to make the leap, check out my expat guide to living abroad.
Read More Articles about France
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.
- 3 Days in Strasbourg – The Perfect Itinerary
- 19 Best Things to Do in Paris this Summer
- The Ultimate 10-Day Eastern France Itinerary
