If you are planning to move to the French Riviera as an expat, you’re in for an exciting adventure! France is a beautiful country with a rich culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes. The South of France has especially gorgeous coastal towns and nearly constant sunshine. However, living in a new country for the first time can also be overwhelming and stressful. Here are some tips to settle-in smoother:
- Learn about French culture and customs. France has a unique culture and set of customs, and learning about them can help you feel more at home. For example, French people are known for their love of food and wine, and meals are often a social occasion. Dinners rarely start before 8pm and families usually sit down all together to enjoy meals. They also have a strong sense of fashion and pride in their cultural identity.
- Start learning the basics of French. While you won’t become fluent overnight, learning some basic phrases and vocabulary will help you navigate your new surroundings and communicate with locals. There are many resources available to help you learn French, including language schools, online courses, French language apps like Duolingo or others, and language exchange programs.
- Find a job, start a business or volunteer. If you are moving to France and want to work or start a business, consider looking for a job or starting a business in an industry where English is widely spoken. Many international companies have offices in France and may be looking for bilingual employees. Alternatively, you could start a business that caters to the expat community, such as a language school or coaching business. Do first check visa and residence regulations though, to see if and how you are permitted to work. If not possible for paid work, volunteer your time with local organisations in order to connect with people locally.
- Get health insurance. France has a universal healthcare system, but you will need to register for healthcare coverage (which usually takes a while to administratively enter the system!) and may need to have a “mutuelle”/top-up insurance to pay extra fees or copays. If you are not eligible for public healthcare, you can purchase private health insurance. It is important to have coverage in case of illness or injury, and it can also help to reduce the cost of healthcare expenses.
- Find a community of expats. Joining a community of expats can be a great way to meet people, get support, and find resources in your new country. Many towns in the South of France have expat groups or organizations that host events and activities for foreigners. You can also use social media or online forums like MeetUp to connect with other expats and get tips and advice on living in France.
- Explore the country. France is a large and diverse country, with many different regions and regional highlights. Take the time to get out and explore your new surroundings. Discover all that the South of France has to offer via the official tourism portal. Start getting out and about, even if you don’t speak the language so well at first! Whether you are interested in history, art, or nature, you will find plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy in discovering local highlights.
Living in France for the first time as an expat can be both exciting and challenging. These tips can make your transition to living in France smoother and more enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek out specific relocation coaching services like New to Nice! We can help you navigate the practical and emotional aspects of moving – and we’re specialists in Nice and the French Riviera region. We’ll help you find your balance, in your sunny new home!
Just be sure to get out and take time to explore all that France has to offer!
