Join InterNations

The world's largest expat community

Your Expat Community in France

  • Connect with fellow expats in France

  • Join exciting events and groups for expats

  • Get information in our expat guides

  • Exchange tips about expat life in France

  • Ruben Barbosa

    After work I enjoy meeting other Brazlian expats offline. We go for a beer together and it feels like home. Thanks InterNations.

Welcome to the InterNations Community of Expats in France!

Salut et bienvenue à InterNations! As a global network for people living and working abroad around the world, here at InterNations we aim to take the stress and fuss out of moving to France (or any other country) and make your expat life easier. Just as with any new country, moving to France can have hidden bumps in the road that can derail your plans; with InterNations, a strong community of fellow expats can help you through any issue, be it the language barrier, choosing the right property, difficulties navigating bureaucracy or local law, and a whole host of other things. So if you don’t know your bibliothèque from your bureau de change, can’t choose between life in Languedoc or Normandy, or just want to find like-minded expats in the French province of your choice, why not join InterNations today? What better way to immerse yourself in all the culture and sightseeing France has to offer, than by hearing it about from other expats who have already seen it all? From sipping locally cultivated wine near Bordeaux, to celebrating Bastille Day in Paris or basking in the glorious sunshine on the beaches of Cannes or Monaco and a million other things besides, the wonderful country of France has much to offer for any expat - and you can discover it all through InterNations' welcoming local French communities.

With InterNations, you never stand alone. Whether you are moving to another country or going on a business trip somewhere — our communities around the world are there to make you feel at home wherever you are. Feel free to check out our vibrant InterNations Communities in countries like Portugal or Germany.

Jump right in:

Living in France: Your Questions, Answered

As a new or future expat in France, you may have questions about what life will be like in your new home. We've compiled answers to seven common questions to help you get a better understanding of life in France. If you'd like to ask more specific questions or share your own experiences, consider joining InterNations, where you can connect with other expats who are eager to help.

1. Why are expats moving to France?
Of course, the individual reasons why expats decide to move to France can vary a lot. But thanks to our vast member base and our annual Expat Insider survey, we were able to uncover some of the underlying trends that make France an appealing place to move to. Notably, the most valued attributes of France as an expat destination are rich & unique culture, high sense of job security and outstanding healtcare & social services.

In addition, out of the 64 expat destinations worldwide in our Expat Insider 2019 survey, France scores quite well in our Quality of Life Index (18th) but not quite well in our Ease of Settling in Index (52nd). However, it also ranks less well in our Working Abroad Index (42nd). But France isn’t just interesting for career-driven single expats. It has a lot to offer families as well, resulting in a very respectable ranking in our Family Life Index (17th).

2. How much do expats earn in France?
On average, expats make on average 255,288 USD according to the ECA Expat Salary Survey for salary levels of expats in middle management positions. This is not the cash salary that expat workers take home after taxes, but the total value of their expat package that usual includes healthcare, cost of education, and housing (among other things). This relatively high salary didn't seem to help with the rather low ranking in our Personal Finance Index (44th) and the Cost of Living Index (36th) in 2019.

3. Where are expats living in France?
Usually the expat population concentrates in places that offer the most career opportunities — at least for those who aren’t just looking for a place to retire in the sun. According to our member base these are the most popular cities for expats in France:

  • Paris
  • Lyon
  • Strasbourg
  • Nice
  • Marseille

4. Is it necessary to speak the local language?
French is the official language of France, and while many people speak English, especially in tourist areas and larger cities, it's beneficial to learn French to help with daily life, build relationships with locals, and fully immerse yourself in the culture.

5. How can I find & get a job in France?
To find a job in France, you can use online job portals, local newspapers, and professional networking sites. Networking with locals and other expats can also be helpful in uncovering job opportunities. Keep in mind that having a good command of French will increase your chances of finding a job.

6. What is the cost of living in France?
The cost of living in France varies depending on your location, lifestyle, and housing preferences. Here are some average monthly expenses for reference:

  • Rent: Depends on location and type of accommodation
  • Utilities: 100–200 EUR (110–220 USD) per month
  • Groceries: 200–400 EUR (220–440 USD) per month
  • Transportation: 50–100 EUR (55–110 USD) per month

7. What are the average rent prices in popular expat locations?

Paris:

  • Single-room flat: 800–1,500 EUR (880–1,650 USD) per month
  • Three-bedroom flat: 2,000–4,000 EUR (2,200–4,400 USD) per month

Lyon:

  • Single-room flat: 500–900 EUR (550–990 USD) per month
  • Three-bedroom flat: 1,000–1,800 EUR (1,100–1,980 USD) per month

Nice:

  • Single-room flat: 600–1,000 EUR (660–1,100 USD) per month
  • Three-bedroom flat: 1,200–2,500 EUR (1,320–2,750 USD) per month

7. How safe is France for expats?
France is generally a safe country for expats, with a low rate of violent crime. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, particularly in tourist areas and crowded places. As with any country, it's essential to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

8. How is the healthcare system in France?
France has a high-quality healthcare system that is ranked among the best in the world. Expats with a residence permit and who contribute to the social security system can access public healthcare. Many expats also choose to have private health insurance to supplement their public healthcare coverage.

9. What is the education system like for expat children in France?
Expat children can attend French public schools for free, which offer a high-quality education. However, the language barrier can be challenging, and some expats opt for private or international schools that offer education in English or other languages. International schools often follow international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, but can be expensive, so it's essential to factor this into your budget if you have children.

Join Our Online and In-Person Events in France

Attend our many events to get to know like-minded expats, both in France and around the world! Our new online events even let you find connection and inspiration without leaving your home.

Mar 19, 2024, 2:30 PM
1 attendee
Join us for an illustrated talk on the relationship between the Prince's Family and successive Irish presidents as seen through their correspondence. Based on her bestselling book The Presidents’ Lett
Mar 20, 2024, 7:30 PM
3 attendees
The Spring Equinox is the start of the Persian New Year. I'm trying out a restaurant on Wednesday 20 March. If you can come out as well, we can celebrate together. Make your own reservations but d
Fun afterwork near Bastille.. come to drink or eat and maybe singing (not required!) in a nice bar-restaurant with karaoke. Good wine, cheap cocktails also very goods, big bar with not too many people
Mar 20, 2024, 8:30 PM
10 attendees
Whether you love to sing or play music, are simply a jazz enthusiast, or just curious, be sure not to miss special evening around jazz standards. Metro/Tram Palais de justice This venue offers a va

Want to see all the upcoming events in France?

Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in France

  • Community Member
    From Egypt, living in Paris
  • Community Member
    From Ecuador, living in Paris
  • Community Member
    From Canada, living in Nice
  • Community Member
    From Netherlands, living in Cannes
  • Community Member
    From Russia, living in Lyon
  • Community Member
    From Estonia, living in Paris
  • Community Member
    From India, living in Mulhouse
  • Community Member
    From United States of America, living in Nice
  • Community Member
    From Switzerland, living in Grenoble
  • Community Member
    From Peru, living in Paris

Meet other expats like you in France

Our Global Partners

Share your hobbies and interests with expats in France

Learn about Expat Life in France

France has a thriving trade relationship with the rest of the EU and there are economic opportunities in a hugely diverse range of fields across the country. Obviously urban areas, such as the sprawling Paris metropolis, or Lyon, France’s second city, will have more job opportunities, but depending on your skill set there will be employment in a more rural area, or there is always the option of commuting. From Alpine ski resorts to the sweltering heat of the Mediterranean south and the temperate climes of the north, France is a massively varied country with stunning scenery and beautiful architecture to suit every taste. Living the expat life in France offers so much diversity it might seem hard to know where to begin. Help is on hand however, with InterNations' open and trustworthy community always available with tips and insider advice. They'll do their best to help you tailor your needs and desires to the perfect location for you new life in France.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Spain or Qatar, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

Begin Building Your Network of Expats in France

Whatever your hobby or interest, you’ll be sure to find like-minded expats in France who speak your language and share your passions. A wide range of groups and monthly or fortnightly events are available across the country, including the annual InterNations summer event in Paris, held at the Marriot Hotel on the Champs Élysées, which is always a packed out event and one of the highlights of the community’s summer calendar. Whether you want to polish up on your French (or many other languages, InterNations is a truly global community), ride bikes, fish, sail, or a wide range of other activities, there will be friendly and welcoming community members waiting for you to contact them and join in. But it’s not just about leisure; if you find yourself in need of advice regarding local customs, laws or regulations InterNations has you covered. After all, who better to ask than an expat who has years of experience living in France? Failing that, they can always put you in touch with recommended local services or traders who will be able to help you out with your needs. And the best part of all? Once you’re set up and living your new life in France, you too can contribute to our forums and help newcomers get to grips with expat life, just as you were helped when you first moved. Building a sense of community and helping each other through the difficult process of moving countries — what could be better than that?