5 Things to Know When Moving to France
By: Arundhati Modak
Tags: Wine, France, Moving, Europe, Language

Monument aux Girondins

After visiting France as a tourist, I finally moving in the Fall of 2019 to France. If I can do it, then so can you. Below I have complied a short like of 5 things you need to know before moving to France.

1. Can I survive in France with knowing any French?

Not too far that’s for sure. However. it does depend which part of France you plan to move too. In major metropolitan cities such as Paris or Bordeaux; it is more than likely that you will be able to get by without speaking the language for day-today activities. However, if you find yourself in need to speak with a governmental agent help (i.e. questions related to health insurance) then you will need the aid of a local. Fortunately, there are more than a few services that offer lessons at low prices.

2. What is the La bise?

In French, ‘une bise’, is an informal way of saying ‘a kiss’. The popular ‘faire une bise’ (do a kiss), is a way of greeting in France which involves a quick peck on both cheeks, and sometimes even several times depending on where you are. Interestingly, in the southeastern and eastern parts of France, you go for the left cheek first. In the rest of the country, it’s the right. With friends or acquaintances your own age, or even with family friends you should faire la bise, in more formal settings — a handshake will suffice.

3. Is everyone really enjoying all the time?

France is notoriously known for people lounging in cafes or lawns usually found smoking, drinking, or munching from a charcuterie. To put it frankly, France does rank higher world-wide on the ‘work-life balance’ index, thanks to most people leaving the office at a sharp 5:00 pm. However, at a managerial level it is not uncommon to find employees working most of the day. It certainly helps that some of the best food and sites are found in this part of the world. Generally, the French work-to-live and not live-to-work; now isn’t that better?

4. Should I have croissants for Breakfasts?

Ditch your overnight oats or your instagram-worthy avocado toasts. The French ‘petit-dejeuner’ (breakfast) is all about an early trip to the local bakery to a pastry shop. Get your choice of a freshly baked baguette or croissant and slather strawberry jam or nutella all over it. This tends to be a more general start to the day for the local French, coupled with a cup of espresso or café au lait. Breakfasts of the sugary kind are the norm around here.

5. How long do things really take?

French Bureaucracy can be a thing of nightmares — especially if you are new in town. Yes, setting up a mere bank account could take you up to a month. A part of why this happens is that France still relies heavily on ‘La Poste’. Need to change your address with your electricity service? You will need to send them a registered letter in the post to get this done. You are waiting on receiving your health insurance card…will you may have to wait for several months before you hear back form them. Luckily, the French public are highly self-ware of this phenomenon and can be very accommodating and helpful to you.

These 5 Ideas are just a quick snapshot what a life in France can be life. And once you get used to it; there won’t be many other places you’d want to live!

Bisous!