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Best Places to Live in France for a Quieter Life
One of the biggest attractions of moving to France is the possibility of a slower, quieter way of life. For some people, that means escaping busy roads and crowded towns. For others, it means having a garden, being close to countryside, knowing the people in the local boulangerie and having a little more space around them. France has plenty of places where you can find that feeling. The trick is working out what quiet means to you. Do you want complete rural isolation, or wou
A New Life
10 minutes ago3 min read
When Do You Become Tax Resident in France?
If you're planning to move to France, one of the questions you're likely to come across is: when do you become tax resident in France? You may have heard the answer is 183 days. It's a useful figure to know, but the reality is a little more complicated. French tax residence isn't simply a case of counting the number of days you spend in France. Other factors can be taken into account, including where your household is based, where you carry out your main professional activity
A New Life
4 days ago3 min read
How Much Does a French Visa Cost?
If you're thinking about moving to France, one of the first questions you may have is: how much is a French visa going to cost? The good news is that the visa itself may be less expensive than you think. The slightly more complicated answer is that the visa application fee is only one part of the overall cost of getting yourself legally established in France. For anyone planning to live in France for more than 90 days, a long-stay visa will generally be required if their nati
A New Life
7 days ago3 min read
What Is CPAM in France?
If you're moving to France, you'll probably come across a whole new collection of French acronyms. One of the most important is CPAM. But what exactly is CPAM in France, and what does it have to do with your healthcare? CPAM stands for Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie, which roughly translates as the Primary Health Insurance Fund. Put simply, it is the local organisation that manages your healthcare cover as part of the French public health insurance system, known as Assur
A New Life
Sep 23 min read
Why Are So Many People Moving to France?
France has always had a certain pull. For some people, it is the food, the wine, the weather and the beautiful villages. For others, it is the slower pace of life, the healthcare system, the property prices or the idea of spending more of their time outdoors. And for an increasing number of people, France represents something even bigger: the opportunity for a different way of life. So, why are so many people moving to France? The short answer is that there isn't one answer.
A New Life
Aug 274 min read
A Beginner's Guide to Shopping in France
One of the great pleasures of moving to France is discovering that even something as ordinary as shopping can feel like part of the adventure. At first, the supermarket shelves can seem confusing, the opening hours may be different from what you are used to and a visit to the local market can feel like a completely new experience. But it doesn't take long to get the hang of it. In fact, shopping can become one of those everyday parts of French life that you really come to enj
A New Life
Aug 243 min read
How to Forward Your Mail When Moving Abroad
When you're preparing to move to France, there is an enormous amount to organise. Visas, removals, property, healthcare, banking and paperwork can all take up your attention. It is surprisingly easy to forget about something as simple as your post. But once you've handed over the keys to your UK home, you don't want important letters continuing to arrive at your old address. Bank correspondence, tax documents, insurance information and other personal letters could all contain
A New Life
Aug 212 min read
What Happens to Your UK Driving Licence When You Move to France?
If you are planning to move to France, your driving licence is probably not at the top of your list of things to think about. But if you are taking your car with you or plan to drive regularly, it is something you will need to understand. The rules changed following Brexit, but the good news is that UK driving licences can still be exchanged for French licences without taking another driving test, provided you meet the relevant conditions. For UK licences issued before 1 Janu
A New Life
Aug 192 min read
How to Prepare Emotionally for Moving to France
Moving to France is a practical decision, but it is also a very emotional one. You can spend months researching visas, property, healthcare and removals, but there is another side to preparing for your move that is just as important: getting yourself ready for the emotional changes that come with starting again. Because however excited you are about your new life, there will probably be moments when you miss the old one. Be Honest About What You Are Leaving Behind It is easy
A New Life
Aug 173 min read
What a 5 day trip to the Vendee could look like...
As part of our "Get to know France" series Phil and his family headed to the Vendee coast, a real popular place with the French throughout the year, but also in summer. In the summer you will certainly hear many Dutch voices amongst the French, for those from the Netherlands the Vendee coast is relatively easy to get to compared to the south of France. We actually headed to the Vendee in our motorhome, but you can enjoy many different places to stay from hotels with beach vie
A New Life
Aug 1620 min read
Should You Move to France? 20 Questions to Ask Yourself First
Moving to France can sound like a wonderful idea. Perhaps you dream of a house in the French countryside, a new career, warmer weather, a slower pace of life or simply the opportunity to do something completely different. But before you start looking at property or packing boxes, it is worth taking a step back. Moving abroad is a huge decision. France may be the right choice for you, but it is important to make sure you are moving towards something rather than simply running
A New Life
Aug 144 min read
Moving to France Alone: What You Need to Know
Moving to France on your own can sound both incredibly exciting and slightly terrifying. There is something liberating about making the decision for yourself. You choose where you live, what kind of life you want and how you spend your time. You don't have to wait for a partner, family member or friend to decide they are ready too. But moving alone also comes with its own challenges, and it is worth understanding them before you make the leap. You Don't Have to Have It All Fi
A New Life
Aug 123 min read
What Happens When the Excitement of Moving Abroad Wears Off?
Moving to France can feel like a dream come true. There is the excitement of finding your new home, exploring your local village, discovering the nearest boulangerie and finally living the life you have been imagining for years. Everything feels new. Everything feels like an adventure. But then, at some point, the excitement starts to settle down. And you might find yourself wondering, "What now?" When the Holiday Feeling Disappears In the early days, even the simplest things
A New Life
Aug 52 min read
The Joy of Having Nothing Planned in France
There is something rather wonderful about having absolutely nothing planned. No appointments. No meetings. No list of errands that needs to be completed before lunchtime. Just a day stretching ahead of you, with no particular agenda. For many people who move to France, this is one of the unexpected pleasures of their new life. Learning to Slow Down Life can feel busy wherever you live. There are always emails to answer, jobs to finish and things that need doing. It can be eas
A New Life
Aug 32 min read
Why Moving to France Changes Your Priorities
Moving to France is often about much more than changing your address. For many people, it is a chance to step away from the life they have become used to and create something that feels a little more balanced, a little more enjoyable, and perhaps a little more meaningful. Of course, France is not perfect, and moving abroad does not magically solve every problem. But living in a different country can change the way you look at your time, your money, your work and even your rel
A New Life
Jul 313 min read
Moving to France in Your 20s: Is It Right for You?
Moving to France in your 20s can be an incredible adventure. You may be looking for a change of scenery, a new career, better work-life balance, or simply the chance to experience life somewhere completely different. Whatever your reason, your 20s can be a great time to make the move. You may have fewer commitments than you will later in life, making it easier to take a risk and try something new. But is France the right choice for you? You Have Time to Explore One of the big
A New Life
Jul 292 min read
50 Things to Do Before You Move to France
Moving to France is exciting, but there is a lot to organise before you pack your bags and start your new life. From visas and finances to finding a home and preparing yourself emotionally, the more you can sort out before you leave, the easier your move is likely to be. Here are 50 things to think about before you move to France. 1. Decide Why You Are Moving Be clear about why you want to move to France, as understanding your reasons will help you stay focused when the inevi
A New Life
Jul 276 min read
How Taxes Work When You Move to France
Tax is the topic that causes the most anxiety among people planning a move to France — and the most confusion. The system is manageable, but it is different, and the consequences of getting it wrong can be significant. This post explains the essentials for both US and UK movers. It is not a substitute for professional advice, and for both audiences, taking that advice before you move is genuinely important. When Do You Become a French Tax Resident? France uses several tests t
A New Life
Jul 203 min read
Driving in France: Licence Exchange, Road Rules, and What Surprises People
For most people moving to rural or semi-rural France, a car is not a luxury — it's a necessity. Understanding the licence exchange process and French road rules early avoids some costly surprises and ensures you're driving legally from day one. Do You Need to Exchange Your Licence? The short answer is: yes, eventually, and the timeline depends on where your licence was issued. For UK Licence Holders Post-Brexit, UK driving licences are no longer automatically recognised in Fr
A New Life
Jul 173 min read
French Healthcare: How the System Works for New Residents
Ask anyone who has already made the move and 'the healthcare is incredible' is usually in the top three things they say. France consistently ranks among the best healthcare systems in the world — but accessing it as a new arrival takes a little navigation. Here's what you actually need to know. The Two-Layer System French healthcare operates on a co-payment model. The state system — Assurance Maladie — covers a significant portion of medical costs, typically 70% for GP visits
A New Life
Jul 153 min read
Obtaining a SIRET number
Demystifying the Process: Obtaining a SIRET Number in France to Start Your Business Starting a business in France is an exciting...
A New Life
Key difference between estate agents in France compared to UK
The big difference between UK and France is most agents in France are self-employed. Commission only self-employed estate agents. And...
Chris Summers
Step one in your journey to France
Embarking on Your French Adventure Congratulations on taking the exciting decision to move to France! Whether you're drawn to the...
A New Life
Exploring the charms of Bellac
A Guide to Life in this Quaint French Town Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Limousin region, Bellac beckons with its idyllic...
A New Life
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Discover the latest insights and inspirations from our top posts on the New Life Blog! Explore a wealth of valuable information and engaging narratives that illuminate the journey to a new life in France. From practical tips to inspiring stories, our top posts offer a comprehensive guide to navigating the joys and challenges of relocation.
Are you considering a move to France and not sure where to start?
Welcome to the New Life in France blog, your go-to destination for a wealth of insights, stories, and practical guides to living your best life in France. Regularly updated with contributions from collaborators, experts, and real-life experiences on the ground, our blog offers a comprehensive resource for anyone considering or embarking on the journey of relocation. From simple how-tos to in-depth guides covering everything from finding a home and navigating the French rental market to starting a business and embracing the local culture, we've got you covered.
Have a topic in mind that we haven't covered yet? Drop us an email, and we'll work on bringing you the information you need. Join us as we explore the diverse facets of life in France and discover the possibilities that await you in your new adventure!
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