天美麻豆

Good morning,
If anyone could please give me a true version of what moving to France is actually like, the up and downs, good and bad etc. My husband and I are hoping to make the move within the next couple of years. I am doing as much research as possible, as well as taking French lessons, and would love to hear from people who have made the move. What areas offer the best living experiences, way of life etc. We have visited many areas in France but a two week trip doesn鈥檛, we feel, give us a true picture of day to day living and would very much appreciate any information, tips, advice that anyone could give. Thank you, Sharon. - @Flynn1002001

Do any of you hold a EU passport? If not you will be requiring a visa to live in France. (If your profile is correct. You are English?)

@Flynn1002001

Bonjour Sharon,

This is hugely subjective. So many things to take into consideration:

Climate

Size of town/city

Available funds/pensions

Lifestyle

sports/interests/hobbies

Type of property sought

Medical conditions/proximity to Doctors/hospitals/specialists et al

It really is necessary to come to France for longer periods of time, visit the regions you THINK you might like for longer periods...no less than a month, and preferably 3 or more, and live like locals doing daily things, because no matter where we live, we all do similar things daily.

What do you plan to do in winter when everything is closed and towns look unoccupied. Rarely do they come alive until the Spring, and when the shutters open and people are seen outside of their homes.

Can you live with the opening hours in the stores, and restaurants

Can you adjust easily to change? Laws and other things change quickly and frequently in France

What is your tolerance for lack of customer service?

Do you have endless patience for bureaucracy?

Do you have a good sense of humour in the face of the ridiculous...and it will be SORELY tried!

Are you prepared to adjust to the pace of life and not get irritated when you have to wait two weeks for that bed to be delivered, that you ordered today? Understanding why this happens and being ok with it.

Are you prepared to take off the rose coloured spex and to read as much as you can about upcoming general elections which may mean the far right holds the balance of power and what that might mean for us as 茅tranger?

Read as much about French history as possible and the Great Wars and where and when and the impact those had on the population in the area(s) where you might settle. Normandy is only one place impacted by them.

Come to France and do the hard yards yourselves. Nobody can see it through your eyes, and nobody can tell you what is going to happen in the future, especially a couple of years out.

Take the time and money in the next couple of years to visit, be curious, and not rush into this huge change of lifestyle that you would be signing up for.

We have all had to do this ourselves, and while there may be guidelines, I highly recommend you join some FB sites like >>Applying for a French CdS (Carte de S茅jour) and/or visa<< and read the GUIDES before asking your questions.

I also highly recommend you know if your state driver's license is exchangeable, and if it isnt, plan to move to a state where it is! This will save you much head spinning and many challenges learning to drive in France for your FR license. Bonne Chance and Bonne Courage.