What I Wish I Knew Before Moving to France 🇫🇷

by Simon Fletcher | Moved to France in March 2022

Moving to France was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made—but let me tell you, there are a few things I really wish I’d known before taking the plunge. If you’re dreaming of that French lifestyle, here are some bite-sized truths I’ve learned along the way.

1. French Bureaucracy is a Sport (and I Wasn’t Ready) 🏆

I had heard that French paperwork was intense, but wow—nothing could have prepared me. Opening a bank account? Weeks of back and forth. Applying for residency? Let’s just say I’m now on a first-name basis with my local prefecture.

The golden rule? Make copies of EVERYTHING, and always bring more documents than you think you need.Bonus points if you staple them together in the precise order they like.

2. The French Take Their Lunch Breaks Very Seriously 🥖🍷

I once tried to pop into a shop at 12:30 PM. Rookie mistake. In smaller towns, many businesses shut from 12 PM to 2 PM (or even 3 PM!) for lunch. And don’t even think about calling a government office between these hours—everyone’s off enjoying a proper meal while you stare at a "Fermé" sign. It’s frustrating at first, but honestly? I kind of love it now.

3. Saying "Bonjour" is Not Optional (Ever) 👋

In France, greetings matter. Walk into a shop without saying "Bonjour" to the staff? Expect frosty service. I once made this mistake and was met with pure side-eye. It’s a simple thing, but it makes a world of difference. Bonus points if you throw in a little "Ça va?" (How’s it going?)—instant brownie points!

4. Finding a House is an Emotional Rollercoaster 🎢

If you think you’ll just browse a few listings, find a dreamy farmhouse, and move in, think again. The housing market here is a whole adventure. Estate agents rarely update their websites, some dream homes turn out to be ruins, and the buying process moves at the speed of a snail. Be patient, be persistent, and be ready to fall in love with a house, lose it, then find an even better one.

5. The French Have a Paperwork Obsession 📄

Yes, I already mentioned bureaucracy, but it deserves a second shoutout. Need internet? A phone plan? A gym membership? You’ll need proof of address, ID, possibly a blood sample (kidding... maybe). Everything requires a dossier. Oh, and signing contracts? Expect a signature on every single page. It’s a rite of passage.

6. Learning Some French Really Helps 🗣️

You don’t need to be fluent, but a basic grasp of French makes life 1000x easier. I thought I could coast on English—nope! Even simple things like booking appointments, reading bills, or chatting with neighbors get tricky if you don’t know the basics. Also, the French appreciate the effort, even if your accent is terrible.

7. Customer Service is…Different 🤷‍♂️

I was used to the "customer is always right" attitude. France? Not so much. I once had a waiter shrug when I pointed out my order was wrong. It’s not rudeness—it’s just a different mindset. Service is efficient, but there’s no fake enthusiasm. That said, once you become a regular somewhere, you’ll be treated like royalty.

8. Life Moves Slower (and That’s a Good Thing) ⏳

At first, I found the slower pace frustrating—why does everything take so long?! But now, I love it. Sundays are for family, meals are for savoring, and nobody’s in a constant rush. I’ve learned to enjoy the process rather than focus on speed.

Would I Do It Again? ABSOLUTELY.

Despite the paperwork, the weird lunch hours, and my early struggles with French, I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. France has taught me patience, appreciation for the little things, and how to truly enjoy life. If you’re thinking about making the move—do it! Just bring a folder for all the paperwork. 😉

Thinking of moving to France? Check out our guides on visas, housing, and expat life to make your transition smoother! 🚀