Moving, living, working, retiring abroad
France is located in Western Europe, neighboring Spain to the southwest, and Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and Italy to the northeast and east. To the north is the English Channel, which separates it from the United Kingdom. The south of the country has a long and beautiful coastline on the Mediterranean Sea, known as the French Riviera or Côte d’Azur.
France is one of the top three largest countries in Europe, with a surface area of over 200,00 square miles, larger than the US state of California. In addition to continental France, the country includes several other territories overseas that are part of the European Union, such as Saint Martin and Martinique, located in the Caribbean.
France is a diverse country with interesting differences in lifestyle, culture, architecture and climate between its regions. From the sunbathed beach resorts of the south to charming villages characterized by German-inspired architecture in the north, and a sprawling wine-country all over, France is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Its crowning jewel is the capital city of Paris, located in the central northern region, also known as the fashion world capital and without a doubt the most famous city on the globe.
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
When it comes to earning a living, the stark differences in minimum wage laws can be a deciding factor for people contemplating a move abroad. For Americans looking to work overseas, salary comparisons with European countries shed light on how much people earn in Europe versus the United States. My Dolce Casa‘s analysis of recently … 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
The retirement age in France has recently undergone significant changes, being raised from 62 to 64 years of age, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s social and economic policy landscape. This adjustment has not only sparked considerable debate within France but also drawn attention to how retirement ages are set and adjusted in other … 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
The average monthly rent in France, in US dollars, for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,200 in 2024, while a three-bedroom house for rent costs on average $2,200 per month, nationally. In Euros, the monthly rent of an average apartment in France is €1,100, while a house for rent costs around €2,200 per month. Long-term rents … 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
Are you planning a visit or moving to Nice, France, and wondering what the weather is like and what events are taking place during your visit? Nice, France is a widely known tourist destination in the South of France and a great place to live, known for its sunny Mediterranean climate and upscale lifestyle filled … Read more
Planning to check out the beautiful city of Lyon, France, and wondering what the weather will be like? Look no further. Lyon enjoys relatively warm temperatures throughout the year, with July being typically the hottest month, with an average high of 81°F (27°C), while January sees lows of around 32°F (0°C), according to timeanddate.com. In … Read more
More and more people are choosing to visit or even relocate to Bordeaux in southwest France, as the city has an impressive reputation for having a good balance and quality of life. Bordeaux is an elegant, large and mainly flat city with beautiful 18th century architecture at its heart. Best of all, it offers an array … Read more
Smart travelers always choose the lesser popular months to explore expensive destinations, and December is an ideal month to enjoy Paris, not only because it’s the off season, but it’s that time of the year when the French capital turns festive and magical. So put on a cozy sweater and comfy boots and discover another … Read more
Is November a good time to visit Paris? Absolutely! Paris in November is a great deal. Airfares during this time of year are often more budget-friendly, according to experts in the tourism industry. November, as seasoned travelers know, tends to be one of the quieter periods in the city, sandwiched between the summer influx of … Read more
France is a great place to visit all year long and a wonderful country to live in. Winter in France is an exciting time of year because there are so many amazing places to see and fun things to do. For those who enjoy winter sports there are snow-capped mountains and excellent ski runs, while … Read more
One of the big concerns you might have about moving to France is how you will continue to get the medication prescribed to you by your doctor in your home country once you have relocated. To start, it is important to ensure that you have an adequate amount of medication during your move abroad and … Read more
The biggest increase in the number of Americans moving to France to date was registered in 2022, according to newly released Eurostat data reported by MyDolceCasa.com. The number of US citizens who relocated to France permanently has tripled since the pandemic. Last year more than 12,000 new residency cards were issued to American passport holders … Read more
Paris weather is rather predictable and typical for a temperate climate with four distinct seasons and no harsh extremes. The average annual temperature in Paris, France ranges from 37 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, per holiday-weather.com. Annually, there are 161 sunny days in Paris and 155 precipitation days. January is the coldest month of … Read more