Moving to Orleans, France

"The housing and neighborhoods south of the Loire river is more expensive but are nicer. When deciding where to live, think about the traffic you will face daily to get to and from work. All rental contracts in France allow the renter to get out with three month notice to the owner. If the owner wants to remove the tenant, he has to have a legimate reason such as non-payment of rent or he wants to move into the property himself. He can't just arbitrarily force you out even if he sells the property to another person. You can stay as long as your contract which is either 3 or 6 years. Read the book by David Hampshire entitled "Buying a Home in France"," explained one expat living in Orleans, France.

"Before moving to Orleans in France, expats should be aware that the city is located in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. It has a moderate climate with mild weather in the winter and hot summers. Expats should also familiarize themselves with the public transportation options available, which include bus, bicycle, train and taxi. Expats may also want to research the area, the local culture and etiquette, as the people of Orleans have their own culture and traditions. Additionally, Orleans is a diverse city and has a vibrant night-life, so expats should familiarize themselves with the restaurants and entertainment venues open in the city before their arrival. Finally, it is important to ensure that all the required documents and paperwork have been obtained before moving to Orleans as it will guarantee a smoother transition," said one expat in Orleans, France.

"When looking for a place to live in Orleans, one could start their search by reaching out to the local housing authorities and rental organizations in Orleans. They may be able to provide advice on how to find a place to live, such as where to begin your search and what resources are available. Additionally, they may have direct listings of locally available properties. It may also be worthwhile to search online for rental companies in Orleans, as well as websites such as Airbnb and vacation rental websites that specialize in short-term and long-term rentals. One may also find ads in local newspapers, magazines, or shop windows for available properties in the Orleans area. Finally, reaching out to friends, family, or acquaintances already living in Orleans may be another route to find out about places to live, as well as gaining further insight and advice on the local area," said one expat in Orleans, France.

"Our first place was determined because it was close to my work in Geneva, Switzerland but on the French side of the border. Colleagues at work told us it was less expensive to live in France. When I retired we moved to the Orleans area to be close to Paris without living in Paris (too much traffic, noise, polution typical of any big city in the world). We found this house to rent on a French real estate website which was large (for France), in a quiet neighborhood and close to shopping and other services. The added benefit is that our neighbors are all very, very nice and welcoming," remarked one expat who made the move to Orleans.

"We live in a four bedroom house with 1920 sf (176 sm)of space. It has three full bathrooms but small closets. The kitchen was empty of everything except the sink so we had to buy a complete kitchen cabinet set which we will take with us if and when we move. The house has a very nice front and back yard (garden for the Europeans) but we planted all the flowers in it. The house backs up to a small town park and sits on a street that is a closed loop so only residents and delivery people drive on the street so it is very quiet," remarked one expat who made the move to Orleans.

"A typical expat home or apartment in Orleans is typically quite cozy and comfortable. With its traditional French architecture, the city offers rustic charm, with wood beams, stone walls, and cobblestone streets. Inside the homes there will often be a combination of modern conveniences and old-world luxury, such as marble countertops, chandeliers, and intricate ceiling fixtures. Windows will typically be equipped with shutters, to keep out the sun and provide a bit of extra privacy. Expat homes in Orleans are also typically close to parks, shops and restaurants, offering plenty of opportunities to explore the city and surrounding areas," explained one expat living in Orleans, France, France.

"The cost of housing in Orleans varies depending on the type of accommodation, but the average monthly rent for an apartment is generally between 650 Euro and 870 Euro, depending on location, size, and other factors. In addition, it is common for housing providers to require an upfront security deposit so costs can be much higher in the beginning," said one expat in Orleans, France.

"I know this house would rent for twice the 1000 Euros we pay monthly in the area we lived in Florida. I know because I had to arrange housing for our foreign executives and houses this size rented for $2,500 a month. I would say that Orleans is far less expensive that Paris but if you live in the country, you will naturally pay less. However, you won't have the conveniences we have," remarked one expat who made the move to Orleans.

"When deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Orleans, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important considerations is how long you plan to live in the area. If you are only planning a short stay, renting could be the better option, as it is usually more cost-effective for a shorter period of time. If, however, you plan to stay for the long-term, buying could be the better choice. It may require a larger investment upfront, but it could be more cost effective in the long run and you would likely have more control over the property. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your budget and personal situation," remarked one expat in Orleans, France, France.

"When moving to Orleans, it is important to pack the appropriate clothing and personal items. Pack warm clothing, including a coat, hats, scarves, boots, and sweaters for the cold months of winter in Orleans. In the summer, it can get hot, so lightweight clothing and airy fabrics are appropriate for that season. Bring toiletries such as shampoo, soap, and other essential items. Bring items for rainy weather, such as a raincoat, umbrella, and waterproof boots. Don’t forget to pack household items such as kitchenware, bedding, towels, and cleaning supplies. Depending on where you are staying in the city, it’s important to bring appropriate furniture and electronics such as a television, refrigerator, and microwave. Don’t forget to also pack important documents such as passport, medical records and any other necessary paperwork," commented one expat who made the move to Orleans, France.

"Our TV was accidentally shipped. It doesn't work here as a TV but we use it offline to play the VCR and DVD movies. We brought everything else so don't miss anything," remarked one expat in Orleans, France.

"In Orleans, it is important to be mindful of dress etiquette. Wearing shorts and sleeveless tops may be seen as disrespectful in some of the city's churches, and inappropriate in some other places. Additionally, it is considered polite to greet each person with a kiss on the cheek when meeting or departing. Therefore, it is important to wait for the other person to initiate the greeting. Furthermore, it is important to respect the language of the region and avoid speaking English instead of French in public places. Finally, public displays of affection should remain subtle in the city," replied a member in Orleans, France.

"Orleans is an attractive destination for expats due to its rich history, vibrant culture, and affordability. The city of Orleans is known for its history of having been the site of the famous Battle of Orleans in the Hundred Years War, giving the city a thrilling and unique past. Additionally, Orleans is full of diverse cultural attractions, from its well-preserved architecture to its many excellent theaters and galleries. For those looking for an affordable place to live, Orleans has low cost of living compared to many other French cities, making it an attractive option for expats. Finally, Orleans has easy access to Paris and the rest of the country via its important transportation links, making it possible to easily explore other parts of the country," commented one expat who moved to Orleans.

"Orleans offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The city has several hospitals, including the Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, which provides general medical and surgical care, as well as specialized services such as cardiology, neurology, and oncology. The city also has several clinics and medical centers that provide primary care services, such as general practice, pediatrics, and gynecology. Additionally, Orleans has a number of pharmacies, opticians, and other health-related services. The city also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as the Centre de Santé des Femmes, which provides services related to women's health, and the Centre de Prévention et de Soins, which provides preventive care and treatment for chronic diseases," stated one expat who made the move to Orleans.

"Orleans offers a wide range of medical services to its citizens. The city has several hospitals, including the University Hospital of Orleans, which provides a range of medical services including emergency care, general medicine, surgery, and specialized care. Additionally, there are numerous private clinics and medical centers in the city that offer a variety of services, such as general practice, dentistry, and optometry. Orleans also has a number of pharmacies, which provide prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs," said one expat living in Orleans, France.