Digital Nomad Life in France

"I have been nicely surprised on how big the community of expats is in France. We are lucky to have: meetup.com/cities/fr/lyon/ - smaller groups of expats who organizes meetings close to their interests onlylyon.com - very useful for info and events happening in Lyon internations.org/start, which actively organizes events for expats," said one expat in Lyon.

"I am newly resident in Nice but have been coming and gong for years. I've met a few people by taking the initiative and striking up conversations with people I meet: shopkeepers, realtors, etc. (A great way to practice your language skills too!) While I've noticed that people here will almost never make the first move, they seem happy to chat once I've asked a question or made a comment, even if just about the weather. I like to return to the same places, especially if the person strikes me as someone I might like to know better, and once we've attained a level of familiarity I invite them for a coffee or aperitif, maybe in the context of being here alone and finding it hard to meet people. I've done this 4 times now and never been turned down. I've now got a regular Saturday lunch companion, occasional cups of tea or meals with 2 others, and one who didn't pan out. Next step is joining the hiking club and so on. Even the French who have come here from elsewhere have told me it took them 5 years to feel truly part of life here, so patience and persistence is definitely called for," remarked one member in France.

"There is a club for English speaking women which welcomes all nationalities of woman who speak English or want to improve their English. It's called the International Women's Club. They organize coffees, book reviews, activities for children and outings for the women members like visits to other cities," explained one expat living in Orleans, France.

"Expats living in France often join clubs and activities that are specific to their interests. Depending on their location, expats can join French language groups, hiking groups, cultural immersion groups, book clubs, business groups, wine tasting groups, and more. Other ways that expats meet people when living in France include attending community events, finding volunteer opportunities, and connecting with local networks and expat communities," said one person in France.

"LUNCH! French take their time over lunch so if you go shopping between 12:00 & 2:30, expect the shop to be shut or under staffed," said one person in Strasbourg.

"One way to find a place to live in France is to search online and compare different listings. You can search websites like Immobilier.fr and SeLoger.com to find property listings. Additionally, you can search for a French real estate agent who can help you find a property in your desired area. You can also look for online forums where people post about their experiences in France, as well as ask for advice from locals. Another way to find a place to live is to reach out to contacts in France; people you know can provide tips on the best places to look for rental properties. Once you have narrowed down your choices, you can contact the landlords to see if you can view the property before deciding if it's the right place for you," said one expat in France.

"My husband asked his new collegues about the neighborhoods. One of his collegues (from HR) helped us find our home, we did a lot ourselves and my father, who lives here already, helped us too," remarked one member in Dijon.

"I just returned from Biarritz as I met my fiance there from Ukraine. We loved it. The scale and charm of the city is what we like and of course the beaches and the ocean. We took a day trip to San Sebastian and it's enough for us to get that "Spanish" experience we might need on occasion. The aquarium is amazing, the food is awesome and the French people are very delightful, even if you are American)). Have no idea what it costs to rent a place, so need to research further. I would suspect if you live in nearby Bidart ( a bit south of Biarritz) it might cost less. Everything is walkable and the airport is fairly nearby. Grocery stores everywhere in town and the prices are great. Euros buys you more so don't worry about the exchange rate for dollars as it stands now. If we get Biden out of office, the dollar will get stronger again," said one person in Biarritz.

"Expats looking to retire in France should be aware that the country has a high cost of living and wages may not match those from their home country. Additionally, due to the language barrier, learning French is essential for effective communication. Retirees should also familiarize themselves with the various visa and residency requirements before embarking on the move. It is also helpful to research and know the cultural norms and customs in France as this will help them better integrate into the French lifestyle. Lastly, expats should consider the healthcare options they will have access to in the French system, and obtain coverage to avoid any medical expenses that are not covered," remarked one foreigner who made the move to France.

"Well, firstly - great to hear that there is nothing to wait for. Just start learning some French...take few documents with yourself as France seems to like red tape very much and you need papers for everything! Take some birth certificates for sure. Don't worry about the accommodation because here in Lyon you will get many estate agencies to help you out and they speak English! And mostly...read some blogs, forums, expats websites which will provide you with the up to date info," explained one person living in Lyon, France.

"If he has a family it is a good place to live. If he or she is single, I can't advise them since I don't know the single scene here. There is a big university here so they may be able to connect with the students there but I don't know anything about the clubs or other diversions for single people," said one expat in Orleans.

"Nice town but speaking French is a big advantage as the most spoken languages are French (suprise, suprise) and German. Very few people speak much English that I have found so far," remarked one member in Strasbourg.

"Pace of life in the village, availability of high quality fresh food and wine, friendliness of the people and willingness to work with my language shortcomings, lack of rampant materialism compared to the US, secular nature of the society, ongoing traditions. I am in a winemaking village in the Languedoc," said one person in Roquebrun.

"Expatriates in France appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, including its art and architecture, as well as the strong sense of fashion and style. They also value the greater emphasis on family life and the appreciation of slower-paced living. Additionally, many expats have praised the country's excellent cuisine and the wide variety of regional specialties. The relaxed and convivial atmosphere of French leisure activities, such as picnics and outdoor cafes, is yet another highlight for expatriates," remarked one foreigner who made the move to France.

"Becoming fluent in French and being patient with the inordinate amount of time bureaucratic things take to be accomplished. Dealing with the utility companies, internet, etc. is very frustrating, as it takes months to get some things taken care of that would take hours or days in the US," remarked one member in Roquebrun.

"One of the most challenging aspects of French culture for expats is the emphasis on formality, which can be quite intimidating. Additionally, expats often face a language barrier when trying to communicate in French, even if they know the basics of the language. Furthermore, the bureaucracy in France can be overwhelming for those not used to it, with many businesses requiring paperwork and official documents signed in order to complete simple tasks. There can also be misunderstandings due to cultural differences in managing work, relationships, and personal matters. Expats must learn to adapt to the unwritten laws of social conduct and etiquette, balancing the demands of politeness with the need to express their own opinions. Finally, the costs of living in France as an expat can be high compared to other countries; expats may need to adjust their expectations and adjust their budget accordingly," explained one expat living in France.

"If you plan to stay in France for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a long-term residency visa, also known as carte de séjour. You will need to provide proof of identity, valid passport, proof of residence, health insurance, and other documents, depending on the purpose of your stay. Additionally, you may also need to meet other requirements depending on your situation," said one expat who made the move to France.

"You need a permanent resident visa which you must obtain 6 weeks before you enter the EU, a carte de sejour, which takes a while to get once you are here. Lines are long, often slow. Most bureaucrats are polite and do wish to help. The gendarmie here has often given me good advice on avoiding unecessary lines and delays," explained one foreigner living in Pezenas, France.

"As amember of the EU there were no restrictions on moving here but we had to ensure we brought all our documentations with us, (authorised copies of birth, marriage, divorce, christneing certificates etc.) and anything else that could be needed," said one in Aude and Herault Departments.

"Oh God yes! I once asked a guy about making a local dish. He told me his mother made the best. The next thing I know we're on his little moto going to her house -- where she gives me a cooking lesson, feeds me, and we spend the night learning why the local wine is better. People here are really nice, outgoing, sharing. If you break through the first barriers, you've made it. Another time I asked someone where they got a really nice shirt, the next day I got an all morning shopping tour," said one expat who made the move to Pezenas.

"It is important to remember not to make sudden physical contact without permission and to maintain a certain level of personal space. Making fun of the French language should also be avoided. Furthermore, dressing too casually and being discourteous or impatient in public can be seen as a sign of disrespect. Refraining from speaking loudly and using offensive language is also critical for avoiding cultural faux pas. Finally, always show politeness and gratitude by greeting people, learning a few local phrases, and using proper etiquette when dining," explained one foreigner living in France.

"It's a small town, so most doctors don't use English much. If you must communicate in English, it would help to research some of the necessary terminology beforehand (perhaps write your questions in French)," explained one person living in Epinal, France.

"Record keeping is your responsibility and you can't do it all online. Doctors don't keep a health file for you. Top-up supplemental insurance is needed to completely cover costs," wrote one digital nomad living in Bordeaux, France.

"Healthcare services in France are provided by a public healthcare system, known as the French Social Security system. This system is funded by contributions from employers and employees, as well as by the government. The quality of public healthcare in France is generally considered to be very good, with access to a wide range of services, including preventive care, hospital care, and specialist care. Foreign residents in France are eligible to use the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in France can use the public healthcare system by registering with the French Social Security system and paying the required contributions," said one foreigner in France.

"I enjoyed the comments regarding life here in the South of France - namely in the lovely village of Roquebrun. I fully agree. I have lived at Thezan, near Roquebrun, for eight years and almost without exception, have met friendliness and inclusiveness by the local french - despite my language shortcomings," said a member in France.