Moving, living, working, retiring abroad
Chrissie Stephen 
The trend to move to France from the United States is definitely going in an upward direction. Many Americans are living in France and enjoying the attractive lifestyle that the land of wine and cheese can offer. But to truly make France your home, it takes careful research to find the best location for you. … Read more
Many people dream of being able to live near the sea, but find that French property prices near the coast are usually out of budget. With 2,848 miles (4,583 kilometers) of coastline, France can be very generous with the options in this regard. A number of French coastal towns offer beautiful beaches, affordable property, a … Read more
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit France for a million reasons. The mornings are pleasantly crisp and there are scattered golden leaves in parks and on pavements. In the wine-growing areas of France, it is time for the annual grape harvest and wineries are prime destinations in the fall. The month of September marks … Read more
Germany is a popular country to visit in the autumn for its enchanting landscapes, historic towns and fairytale castles. Between September and November the weather is still very pleasant and the landscapes are transformed by the vibrant palette of foliage during the fall, basking in a magic golden light. There are beautiful seasonal vistas to … Read more
Retiring abroad is becoming surprisingly more appealing to many Americans. The State Department says that the current figure could be as high as nine million people – which equates to 12% of the country’s population of retirement age. The Social Security Administration has also recently published that the number of US citizens who receive their … Read more
Once you have settled in France and have found that the French way of life suits you well, you could find yourself contemplating buying your own apartment. Investing in property in France will give you both long-term financial stability and the potential for your capital to appreciate as the prices on the French property market … Read more
Every year more than 12,000 Americans make the move to live in France. For many, the attraction lies in the unparalleled charm of French cities and towns, the slower pace of life, the excellent food and wine, and the friendship shown by the French towards Americans. Certainly, of all the cities in France, Paris stands … Read more
Understanding all the real estate terms in France is almost like learning a new language. Whether you’re picturing yourself sipping wine in a chic Parisian apartment, relaxing in a rustic countryside cottage, or basking in the sun at a villa in the South of France, the first real challenge is understanding the terminology. Because, surprise, … Read more
Is it expensive to live in France? Yes, it may be a pricier than other Mediterranean countries, but you can still find some great locations to live on a smaller budget. In fact, we found nine amazing places where you and your significant other could enjoy a comfortable life in France on a budget of … Read more
For many people tempted to move abroad, one of the most pressing questions is whether they will be able to afford living in France. It is true that some aspects of the cost of living in France – such as food shopping – are more expensive than in other countries, but rental prices can be … Read more
All of France is charming, but its countryside is in a league of its own. Both admired and envied all over the world, it has inspired design styles, architectural styles and the works of numerous artists through the ages. Living in the French countryside sounds pretty idyllic, but it is not without challenges. We bought … Read more
Moving to France with school age children does not need to be a challenge if you do your homework about the French education system. The school year in France runs from September to the end June, early July and there are five main school breaks and several public holidays during the year when schools in … Read more
France celebrates eleven public holidays each year, which is the second highest number of annual holidays in Europe after Austria. Additionally, two other holidays are observed in certain regions in France. The French public holidays include both civil holidays – for example New Year’s Day and May Day – and religious holidays such as Easter … Read more
Tipping is not as common in France as it is in many other countries, including the US or the UK. In fact, tipping in France is very relaxed for all concerned. This is because service charges are usually included in the prices for restaurants, hotels and other services in the hospitality industry. Although leaving a … Read more
France is one of the most popular places in the world with Americans to live either for a short time or permanently. The American Embassy in Paris estimates that there are about 150,000 Americans currently living in France. Given that the exchange rate for US dollar to Euro is the highest it has been for … Read more
Getting a good job in France as an English-speaker from a non-EU country can be quite a challenge, because French and European citizens typically have priority in employment. The good news is that the French job market is very strong. There are hundreds of thousands of job vacancies in France and the average annual salary … Read more
How you view Paris as a tourist and living in Paris a resident are two very different things. Paris is the most visited city in the world, welcoming more than 40 million tourists every year. During the summer months there are lines for all the popular sights. Without pre-paid tickets for the iconic Eiffel Tower, … Read more
In 2024, France will be implementing significant changes in its immigration laws and border rules, affecting individuals traveling from the UK, whether for short visits or long-term stays, reports The Connexion. These modifications come as France aligns itself with the broader regulatory framework of the European Union. We explore the nuances of these new regulations, … Read more
“To be a Parisian is not about being born in Paris, it is about being reborn there.” (Sacha Guitry) Paris is a vibrant and much-loved capital city, a popular place to live in for many expats planning a new life in France. While buying an apartment in Paris is something well out of reach for … Read more
If you’re planning a quick escape to sunny Greece in January or simply looking for a warm place in Europe to escape freezing winter temperatures in your own country, this guide sums up what is happening throughout Greece this time of year, to help you easily decide on a destination. If you are eager to … Read more